The article rounds up several technology developments in the conveyancing sector, including AI-assisted report on title drafting, a new licensed NLIS Hub channel, redesigned Source of Funds reporting, and a digital maturity ranking for a conveyancing firm. The common theme is greater automation, improved data access, and more configurable workflows for property transactions.
The article reports on debate at the Law Society AGM over proposed Rule 8.4 changes affecting who may act as COLP and COFA in firms with unilateral management authority. It also highlights wider concerns about regulatory accountability, consultation quality and the profession’s ability to influence decisions made by representative and regulatory bodies.
The Solicitors Regulation Authority has paused its proposal to separate COLP and COFA roles from owner-managers and other decision-makers, avoiding an immediate vote of no confidence at the Law Society AGM. However, the debate remains unresolved, with the SME and Boutique Law Firm Alliance continuing to press for evidence-based regulation, greater transparency and a formal challenge to the SRA’s leadership.
The article argues that identity verification alone is insufficient for assessing client and matter risk in conveyancing and wider legal onboarding. It outlines a combined approach using ID checks, AML screening, Source of Funds, Source of Wealth and formal risk assessments to create a fuller compliance picture, with reference to a digital onboarding platform from InfoTrack.
